Ibrahimaj: IPARD funds are expected to be unblocked soon, the re-accreditation process is in the final stages

The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has declared that the procedures for the re-accreditation of IPARD funds are in the final stages and that the funds are expected to become available soon. After the cabinet meeting, asked about the situation with IPARD funds and the discussions with the European Commission, Ibrahimaj said that the re-accreditation process has been long, but is now in its final phase.

"We expect the finalisation of the re-accreditation procedures for the granting of the IPARD fund and of course it is a process which has been prolonged. We have had documentation to submit. It is in its final stages and we expect that very soon the funds will be opened", Ibrahimaj declared.

The minister stressed the importance of these funds for the agricultural sector, underlining that financing through the IPARD programme has an important role in the development of Albanian agriculture.

"It is a very important fund, which influences the development of agriculture in the country", she said.

Ibrahimaj also said that the problems that have accompanied IPARD funds have not affected only Albania and that the processes for solving them have now been addressed.

"Albania is not the only country that has had problems with IPARD and they are now solved", the minister stressed.

According to her, after the completion of the re-accreditation procedures, IPARD funds are expected to open for beneficiaries, giving a further boost to investment and development of the agricultural sector.